Ampul and an ampul-fitted theft-deterrent device

Abstract

The present invention relates to an ampul containing a marking substance and intended for use in a theft-deterrent device for theft-attractive goods. According to the invention, the ampul (2) encloses an alarm element (8) which can be sensed or detected by an electronic alarm system and which is inaccessible unless the ampul (2) is broken, crushed or destroyed in some other way such as to release the marking substance (4). The invention also relates to a theft-deterrent device which includes such an ampul.

We claim: 
     
       1. An ampul which contains a marking substance (4) and which is intended for use in a theft-deterrent device for attachment to theft-attractive goods (6), characterized in that an alarm element (8), which can be detected or sensed by a remote electronic alarm system, is enclosed in the ampul (2) and is inaccessible unless the ampul (2) is broken, crushed or damaged in some other way such as to release the marking substance (4). 
     
     
       2. An ampul according to claim 1, characterized in that the ampul (2) is made of glass or plastic. 
     
     
       3. An ampul according to claim 2, characterized in that the alarm element (8) is freely movable in the marketing substance (4) contained in the ampul (2). 
     
     
       4. An ampul according to claim 3, characterized in that the alarm element (8) is comprised of a metal wire or filament having electromagnetic properties. 
     
     
       5. An ampul according to claim 2, characterized in that the alarm element (8) is fixedly mounted in the ampul (2) or in the ampul wall. 
     
     
       6. An ampul according to claim 5, characterized in that the alarm element (8) is comprised of a metal wire or filament having electromagnetic properties. 
     
     
       7. An ampul according to claim 1, characterized in that the alarm element (8) is freely movable in the marking substance (4) contained in the ampul (2). 
     
     
       8. An ampul according to claim 1, characterized in that the alarm element (8) is fixedly mounted in the ampul (2) or in the ampul wall. 
     
     
       9. An ampul according to claim 1, characterized in that the alarm element (8) is comprised of a metal wire or filament having electromagnetic properties. 
     
     
       10. A theft-deterrent device for use with theft-attractive goods and including at least one ampul (2) containing a marking substance (4), characterized in that the ampul (2) encloses an alarm element (8) which can be sensed or detected by a remote electronic alarm system and which is inaccessible unless the ampul (2) is broken, crushed or destroyed in some other way such as to release the marking substance (4). 
     
     
       11. A device according to claim 10, characterized in that the ampul (2) is arranged so as to be broken, crushed or destroyed in some other way and therewith release the marking substance (4) enclosed therein when an improper attempt is made to release the device from the theft-attractive goods (6). 
     
     
       12. A device according to claim 11, characterized in that the ampul (2) is made of glass or plastic. 
     
     
       13. A device according to claim 12, characterized in that the alarm element (8) is freely movable in the marking substance (4) contained by the ampul (2). 
     
     
       14. A device according to claim 12, characterized in that the alarm element (8) is fixedly mounted in the ampul (2) or in the ampul wall. 
     
     
       15. A device according to claim 10, characterized in that the alarm element (8) is freely movable in the marking substance (4) contained by the ampul (2). 
     
     
       16. A device according to claim 10, characterized in that the alarm element (8) is fixedly mounted in the ampul (2) or in the ampul wall.